The Ethical Challenges of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Umbilical cord blood serves as a potent source of hematopoietic stem cells, utilized in treating specific diseases and preserved in blood banks. Objectives: This study aims to explore the ethical issues associated with these repositories. Methods: This qualitative research involved conducting 14 interviews with experts and the families of recipients or donors of umbilical cord blood. Participants were selected purposefully from May to November 2021. Results: The investigation identified five principal ethical challenges: presentation of information, interpersonal relationships among involved parties, respect for human dignity, adherence to rules and regulations, and the handling of tissue samples. These challenges encompassed various categories and subcategories, including informed consent, communication and advertising of information, financial considerations, conflicts of interest, professional interactions, ownership rights concerning the child and parents, privacy and confidentiality issues, compliance with regulations and guidelines, and the clinical and research uses of the tissue samples. Conclusions: The study unveiled significant ethical concerns in the domain of umbilical cord blood stem cell banking. Addressing these ethical dilemmas necessitates the involvement of health policymakers and medical ethics experts, along with a comprehensive understanding of these banks' multifaceted nature by the community.